Joining in with the online discussion on the book “On Being A Writer” by Ann Kroeker and Charity Singleton Craig. Today we are working through Chapter 7: Promote.
I am just going to start off by stating a pretty obvious fact for me….This chapter is one of the hardest for me. I am not one to toot my own horn. I am one who does a way better job of encouraging others. So when it comes to my own writing, I have a way harder time promoting myself.
In fact, in high school and college, I was active in their theater programs. But I was more content to be behind the scenes rather than on stage. I was more willing to let my co-stars names shine in big bright neon lights. In college, I had the opportunity to play Anne Frank’s mother in the Diary of Anne Frank. But I wouldn’t have gotten that part if I hadn’t tried out for the play prior to that: “The Miracle Worker” (The story of Helen Keller). I was the tutor for the young artists who were in the play. After acting in The Diary of Anne Frank, I spent the rest of the years behind scenes; being the prop mistress.
That is only one example of how I am way better at encouraging others and not promoting myself.
The more I have become a writer, I have learned the importance of promoting my own work. When I first started blogging, I barely shared any of my posts. That negative voice inside my head kept replaying: “Why would anyone read your words?” But as I have grown into my role as a writer, I have taken small steps to promote my work. Every time I post, my post is shared on Facebook. I have also begun sharing my blog posts on Twitter.
And within the last week, I have begun using Periscope. I am praying about it and waiting for answers to best use that format to share and promote my words. I am reminded of the words in this chapter when Ann shares these words from her publisher: ” I would simply ask, he said, Couldn’t you see speaking as another avenue to share that same message? Your words–Your message—spoken?” (AHA!!)
I don’t think I will ever be totally comfortable promoting my own work. But I am learning and growing and trying my best to promote my words/my story.
For now, let’s just say I am a work in progress!
great idea to try periscope! Maybe you'll blog about how it works for you? I'm partly like you in that encouraging others is one of my greatest joys and I love to teach bible / theology, music, art design, but I also tell people, "I crave an audience the way an addict craves cocaine!"
Periscope has definitely been intimidating, but it also has been so much fun too. That quote…I never thought of it like that!
i enjoyed your post tara. i found plenty with which to identify in it as well! over the years, i have enjoyed encouraging others in many ways including how they presented themselves before others and their walk of faith in general.
great post:)
Thank you Martha!
What is periscope? I could look it up. You obviously have a sincere message which I enjoy reading.
Periscope is this new app where you broadcast live. Listeners can tap the screen to give you hearts. Listeners can comment to what you are saying. Listeners can even listen to a replay if they were not able to be a part of the live broadcast. Thank you for stopping by.
Tara are we twins separated at birth? LOLOL. I only got involved in theater with my kiddos, however. I love that we used the same 'toot our own horn" words too. Great minds…friend 🙂
Christy, yep we must have been! 😛 I saw that we used that same "toot your own horn" line too. Great minds indeed do think alike!
I think it's great that you're growing in confidence in being able to promote your writing. Encouraging others is a great thing too though and I think there are times when we are meant to play more of a "backstage" role but I suppose it's about seeking God and being willing to step out when he calls us to.
Carly, thank you! Yes, I agree there are times when we are meant to play more of a 'backstage' role.